EXPLORING THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF BROMELAIN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME SKIN CONDITIONS

Abstract

Bromelain is an enzyme obtained from pineapple with reported anti-inflammatory characteristics that could be explored in managing skin disorders such as acne, eczema and rosacea. The study aims to analyse bromelain’s effectiveness in decreasing skin redness, enhancing the skin’s quality and determining the side effects of bromelain when treating skin disorders. This research involved a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled clinical intervention involving 40 participants for 12 weeks. Patients were randomly assigned to experimental group using (1.0mg/cm² of bromelain) and control group using a non-active cream in the affected area twice daily. Redness and inflammation were measured using a standard dermatological grading scale, with scores ranging from 0 (no inflammation) to 10 (severe inflammation). Skin quality of the was assessed using participants diary, scaled questionnaire and dermatologist assessment. Baseline measurements of skin inflammation were taken; repeated measurements were obtained once a week. The overall findings revealed a decrease in redness and skin inflammation in the experimental group compared to control group (p < 0.001) that was consistent as the week progressed. The participants in the experimental group also had a significant enhancement of skin texture (p < 0.01) quality and decrease in acne compared to the control group. The participants in the experimental group had 15% mild irritation, 10% itching and 0% severe irritation. Participant compliance was found to be high during the trial while most of the participant showed enhanced benefit by the end of the trial. The findings support the use of bromelain as a natural supplement in management of inflammatory skin diseases.